Composite electrodes and methods for the fabrication and use thereof

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are precursor compounds, composite electrodes comprising the same, and methods of making and use thereof.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/259,043 filed Jan. 28, 2019, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/623,780, filed Jan. 30, 2018, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

This invention was made with government support under Grant No. OIA-1539035 and Grant No. CHE-1508192, both awarded by the National Science Foundation. The government has certain rights in the invention.

BACKGROUND

The rising concerns over the increasing global energy demand and negative impact on the environment of fossil fuels have stimulated great efforts towards developing clean and renewable energy alternatives (Lewis N S. Science 2016, 351, aad1920). Direct solar energy-driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting by employing photoanodes, photocathodes, or both in a tandem cell configuration offers a direct and sustainable way to generate hydrogen (Bornoz P et al. J. Phys. Chem. C 2014, 118, 16959-16966; Prévot M S et al. J. Phys. Chem. C 2013, 117, 17879-17893). Solar water splitting can be achieved via a photoelectrochemical cell comprised of a photoactive semiconductor/electrolyte junction, where the minority charge carriers (electrons for a p-type semiconductor) generated upon light absorption in the semiconductor are driven into the electrolyte by the electric field established at the junction to store energy as H₂. Low cost and efficient photoelectrodes that can be easily made are still needed. The compounds, electrodes, and methods described herein address these and other needs.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are precursor compounds, composite electrodes comprising the same, and methods of making and use thereof.

Additional advantages will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the aspects described below. The advantages described below will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying figures and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description, figures, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the disclosure, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a synthesis strategy to prepare surface-passivated Cu₂O photocathode (MoS₂/Cu₂O/FTO) using MoS₂ (molecular structure of MoS₂ precursor is shown) as a bifunctional material to protect Cu₂O and perform hydrogen evolution reaction catalysis for solar water splitting application.

FIG. 2 is the rotating ring disc electrode (RRDE) response (at a rotation speed of 5000 rpm) recorded at 50 mV s⁻¹ scan rate in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ solution for both bare glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and 5.0 mM MoS₂/glassy carbon electrode; Inset shows the Tafel slope for each electrode.

FIG. 3 is the polarization curves of as-grown and N₂-annealed MoS₂/ITO electrodes for proton reduction, recorded at 50 mV s⁻¹ scan rate in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ solution.

FIG. 4 is the thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry profiles of MoS₂ precursor ([Mo₃S₇(S₂CNMe₂)₃]I) in Ar atmosphere.

FIG. 5 shows the effect of MoS₂ film thickness on proton reduction current density of MoS₂/ITO electrodes.

FIG. 6 shows the effect of N₂-annealing temperature on proton reduction current density of MoS₂/ITO electrodes.

FIG. 7 is the proton reduction hydrogen evolution reaction curves for various derivatives of MoS₂.

FIG. 8 is the X-ray diffraction patterns of as-grown Cu₂O/FTO and N₂-annealed MoS₂/Cu₂O/FTO electrodes.

FIG. 9 is a surface scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image of as-grown Cu₂O.

FIG. 10 is a surface scanning electron microscopy image of MoS₂ alone.

FIG. 11 is a surface scanning electron microscopy image of a N₂-annealed MoS₂/Cu₂O electrode.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy image of a N₂-annealed MoS₂/Cu₂O electrode.

FIG. 13 is the X-ray energy dispersive (XRD) spectroscopic analysis of as-grown Cu₂O (corresponding SEM image shown in FIG. 9).

FIG. 14 is the X-ray energy dispersive (XRD) spectroscopic analysis of a N₂-annealed MoS₂/Cu₂O electrode (corresponding SEM image shown in FIG. 11).

FIG. 15 is the photocurrent responses of as-grown Cu₂O in 0.5 M Na₂SO₄ under 1 sun illumination and the reductive photodecomposition of Cu₂O upon repetitive runs.

FIG. 16 is the photocurrent responses of as-grown Cu₂O and N₂-annealed MoS₂-protected Cu₂O photocathodes in 0.5 M Na₂SO₄ under 1 sun illumination, where the spin-coating layer of 2.5 mM MoS₂ precursor is 3 layers (3L).

FIG. 17 is the action spectra of the Cu₂O (open symbols) and MoS₂/Cu₂O (closed symbols) photocathodes at −0.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl (˜0.2 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode) under front-side (square) and back-side (circle) illumination.

FIG. 18 is the Nyquist plots of the Cu₂O/FTO and MoS₂/FTO electrodes recorded at a fixed applied potential of −0.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl both in dark and under light, respectively. The symbols and the solid lines represent the experimental and fitted data, respectively. The diameter of the semicircle represents the charge transfer resistance, R_(ct).

FIG. 19 is the Mott-Schottky plots of the Cu₂O/FTO and MoS₂/FTO electrodes measured at 1 kHz frequency in dark. Electrolyte: 0.5 M Na₂SO₄ solution (pH=˜6.7); Light source: a 300 W Xe lamp; Illumination: simulated 1 sun (100 mWcm⁻²).

FIG. 20 is a photograph of as-grown Cu₂O and N₂-annealed MoS₂-coated Cu₂O samples after photoelectrochemical measurement. Color change from reddish brown to black indicates reductive photodecomposition of Cu₂O to Cu.

FIG. 21 shows the photo-stability of a composite MoS₂-modified Cu₂O electrode and a pristine unmodified Cu₂O electrode in a near-neutral 0.5 M Na₂SO₄ electrolyte at a constant potential of −0.6 V vs. saturated calomel electrode, sat. KCl (SCE). The composite MoS₂-modified Cu₂O electrode shows only 9% loss in its photo-stability whereas the pristine unmodified Cu₂O electrode shows 77% decrease after 10 min.

FIG. 22 shows the results of a long-term photostability test of as-grown Cu₂O and MoS₂-modified Cu₂O photocathodes at an applied potential of 0 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode for 1 h in 0.1 M phosphate buffered (pH˜7) 0.5 M Na₂SO₄ electrolyte.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The methods described herein may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of specific aspects of the disclosed subject matter, figures and the examples included therein.

Before the present methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the aspects described below are not intended to be limited in scope by the specific systems, methods, articles, and devices described herein, which are intended as illustrations. Various modifications of the systems, methods, articles, and devices in addition to those shown and described herein are intended to fall within the scope of that described herein. Further, while only certain representative systems and method steps disclosed herein are specifically described, other combinations of the systems and method steps also are intended to fall within the scope of that described herein, even if not specifically recited. Thus, a combination of steps, elements, components, or constituents may be explicitly mentioned herein or less, however, other combinations of steps, elements, components, and constituents are included, even though not explicitly stated.

General Definitions

The term “comprising” and variations thereof as used herein is used synonymously with the term “including” and variations thereof and are open, non-limiting terms. Although the terms “comprising” and “including” have been used herein to describe various examples, the terms “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of” can be used in place of “comprising” and “including” to provide for more specific examples of the invention and are also disclosed. Other than in the examples, or where otherwise noted, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood at the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, to be construed in light of the number of significant digits and ordinary rounding approaches.

As used in the description and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a composition” includes mixtures of two or more such compositions, reference to “an agent” includes mixtures of two or more such agents, reference to “the component” includes mixtures of two or more such components, and the like.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where the event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

It is understood that throughout this specification the identifiers “first”, “second” and “third” are used solely to aid in distinguishing the various components and steps of the disclosed subject matter. The identifiers “first”, “second” and “third” are not intended to imply any particular order, amount, preference, or importance to the components or steps modified by these terms.

Also, throughout this specification, various publications are referenced. The disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which the disclosed matter pertains. The references disclosed are also individually and specifically incorporated by reference herein for the material contained in them that is discussed in the sentence in which the reference is relied upon.

Chemical Definitions

Terms used herein will have their customary meaning in the art unless specified otherwise. The organic moieties mentioned when defining variable positions within the general formulae described herein (e.g., the term “halogen”) are collective terms for the individual substituents encompassed by the organic moiety. The prefix C_(n)-C_(m) preceding a group or moiety indicates, in each case, the possible number of carbon atoms in the group or moiety that follows.

References in the specification and concluding claims to parts by weight of a particular element or component in a composition denotes the weight relationship between the element or component and any other elements or components in the composition or article for which a part by weight is expressed. Thus, in a compound containing 2 parts by weight of component X and 5 parts by weight component Y, X and Y are present at a weight ratio of 2:5, and are present in such ratio regardless of whether additional components are contained in the compound.

A weight percent (wt. %) of a component, unless specifically stated to the contrary, is based on the total weight of the formulation or composition in which the component is included.

The term “ion,” as used herein, refers to any molecule, portion of a molecule, cluster of molecules, molecular complex, moiety, or atom that contains a charge (positive, negative, or both at the same time within one molecule, cluster of molecules, molecular complex, or moiety (e.g., zwitterions)) or that can be made to contain a charge. Methods for producing a charge in a molecule, portion of a molecule, cluster of molecules, molecular complex, moiety, or atom are disclosed herein and can be accomplished by methods known in the art, e.g., protonation, deprotonation, oxidation, reduction, alkylation, acetylation, esterification, deesterification, hydrolysis, etc.

The term “anion” is a type of ion and is included within the meaning of the term “ion.” An “anion” is any molecule, portion of a molecule (e.g., zwitterion), cluster of molecules, molecular complex, moiety, or atom that contains a net negative charge or that can be made to contain a net negative charge. The term “anion precursor” is used herein to specifically refer to a molecule that can be converted to an anion via a chemical reaction (e.g., deprotonation).

The term “cation” is a type of ion and is included within the meaning of the term “ion.” A “cation” is any molecule, portion of a molecule (e.g., zwitterion), cluster of molecules, molecular complex, moiety, or atom, that contains a net positive charge or that can be made to contain a net positive charge. The term “cation precursor” is used herein to specifically refer to a molecule that can be converted to a cation via a chemical reaction (e.g., protonation or alkylation).

As used herein, the term “substituted” is contemplated to include all permissible substituents of organic compounds. In a broad aspect, the permissible substituents include acyclic and cyclic, branched and unbranched, carbocyclic and heterocyclic, and aromatic and nonaromatic substituents of organic compounds. Illustrative substituents include, for example, those described below. The permissible substituents can be one or more and the same or different for appropriate organic compounds. For purposes of this disclosure, the heteroatoms, such as nitrogen, can have hydrogen substituents and/or any permissible substituents of organic compounds described herein which satisfy the valencies of the heteroatoms. This disclosure is not intended to be limited in any manner by the permissible substituents of organic compounds. Also, the terms “substitution” or “substituted with” include the implicit proviso that such substitution is in accordance with permitted valence of the substituted atom and the substituent, and that the substitution results in a stable compound, e.g., a compound that does not spontaneously undergo transformation such as by rearrangement, cyclization, elimination, etc.

“Z¹,” “Z²,” “Z³,” and “Z⁴” are used herein as generic symbols to represent various specific substituents. These symbols can be any substituent, not limited to those disclosed herein, and when they are defined to be certain substituents in one instance, they can, in another instance, be defined as some other substituents.

The term “aliphatic” as used herein refers to a non-aromatic hydrocarbon group and includes branched and unbranched, alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl groups.

As used herein, the term “alkyl” refers to saturated, straight-chained or branched saturated hydrocarbon moieties. Unless otherwise specified, C₁-C₂₄ (e.g., C₁-C₂₂, C₁-C₂₀, C₁-C₁₈, C₁-C₁₆, C₁-C₁₄, C₁-C₁₂, C₁-C₁₀, C₁-C₈, C₁-C₆, or C₁-C₄) alkyl groups are intended. Examples of alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, propyl, 1-methyl-ethyl, butyl, 1-methyl-propyl, 2-methyl-propyl, 1,1-dimethyl-ethyl, pentyl, 1-methyl-butyl, 2-methyl-butyl, 3-methyl-butyl, 2,2-dimethyl-propyl, 1-ethyl-propyl, hexyl, 1,1-dimethyl-propyl, 1,2-dimethyl-propyl, 1-methyl-pentyl, 2-methyl-pentyl, 3-methyl-pentyl, 4-methyl-pentyl, 1,1-dimethyl-butyl, 1,2-dimethyl-butyl, 1,3-dimethyl-butyl, 2,2-dimethyl-butyl, 2,3-dimethyl-butyl, 3,3-dimethyl-butyl, 1-ethyl-butyl, 2-ethyl-butyl, 1,1,2-trimethyl-propyl, 1,2,2-trimethyl-propyl, 1-ethyl-1-methyl-propyl, 1-ethyl-2-methyl-propyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, dodecyl, tetradecyl, hexadecyl, eicosyl, tetracosyl, and the like. Alkyl substituents may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more chemical moieties. The alkyl group can be substituted with one or more groups including, but not limited to, hydroxyl, halogen, acyl, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aldehyde, amino, cyano, carboxylic acid, ester, ether, ketone, nitro, phosphonyl, silyl, sulfo-oxo, sulfonyl, sulfone, sulfoxide, or thiol, as described below, provided that the substituents are sterically compatible and the rules of chemical bonding and strain energy are satisfied.

Throughout the specification “alkyl” is generally used to refer to both unsubstituted alkyl groups and substituted alkyl groups; however, substituted alkyl groups are also specifically referred to herein by identifying the specific substituent(s) on the alkyl group. For example, the term “halogenated alkyl” specifically refers to an alkyl group that is substituted with one or more halides (halogens; e.g., fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine). The term “alkoxyalkyl” specifically refers to an alkyl group that is substituted with one or more alkoxy groups, as described below. The term “alkylamino” specifically refers to an alkyl group that is substituted with one or more amino groups, as described below, and the like. When “alkyl” is used in one instance and a specific term such as “alkylalcohol” is used in another, it is not meant to imply that the term “alkyl” does not also refer to specific terms such as “alkylalcohol” and the like.

This practice is also used for other groups described herein. That is, while a term such as “cycloalkyl” refers to both unsubstituted and substituted cycloalkyl moieties, the substituted moieties can, in addition, be specifically identified herein; for example, a particular substituted cycloalkyl can be referred to as, e.g., an “alkylcycloalkyl.” Similarly, a substituted alkoxy can be specifically referred to as, e.g., a “halogenated alkoxy,” a particular substituted alkenyl can be, e.g., an “alkenylalcohol,” and the like. Again, the practice of using a general term, such as “cycloalkyl,” and a specific term, such as “alkylcycloalkyl,” is not meant to imply that the general term does not also include the specific term.

As used herein, the term “alkenyl” refers to unsaturated, straight-chained, or branched hydrocarbon moieties containing a double bond. Unless otherwise specified, C₂-C₂₄ (e.g., C₂-C₂₂, C₂-C₂₀, C₂-C₁₈, C₂-C₁₆, C₂-C₁₄, C₂-C₁₂, C₂-C₈, C₂-C₆, or C₂-C₄) alkenyl groups are intended. Alkenyl groups may contain more than one unsaturated bond. Examples include ethenyl, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, 1-methylethenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butenyl, 1-methyl-1-propenyl, 2-methyl-1-propenyl, 1-methyl-2-propenyl, 2-methyl-2-propenyl, 1-pentenyl, 2-pentenyl, 3-pentenyl, 4-pentenyl, 1-methyl-1-butenyl, 2-methyl-1-butenyl, 3-methyl-1-butenyl, 1-methyl-2-butenyl, 2-methyl-2-butenyl, 3-methyl-2-butenyl, 1-methyl-3-butenyl, 2-methyl-3-butenyl, 3-methyl-3-butenyl, 1,1-dimethyl-2-propenyl, 1,2-dimethyl-1-propenyl, 1,2-dimethyl-2-propenyl, 1-ethyl-1-propenyl, 1-ethyl-2-propenyl, 1-hexenyl, 2-hexenyl, 3-hexenyl, 4-hexenyl, 5-hexenyl, 1-methyl-1-pentenyl, 2-methyl-1-pentenyl, 3-methyl-1-pentenyl, 4-methyl-1-pentenyl, 1-methyl-2-pentenyl, 2-methyl-2-pentenyl, 3-methyl-2-pentenyl, 4-methyl-2-pentenyl, 1-methyl-3-pentenyl, 2-methyl-3-pentenyl, 3-methyl-3-pentenyl, 4-methyl-3-pentenyl, 1-methyl-4-pentenyl, 2-methyl-4-pentenyl, 3-methyl-4-pentenyl, 4-methyl-4-pentenyl, 1,1-dimethyl-2-butenyl, 1,1-dimethyl-3-butenyl, 1,2-dimethyl-1-butenyl, 1,2-dimethyl-2-butenyl, 1,2-dimethyl-3-butenyl, 1,3-dimethyl-1-butenyl, 1,3-dimethyl-2-butenyl, 1,3-dimethyl-3-butenyl, 2,2-dimethyl-3-butenyl, 2,3-dimethyl-1-butenyl, 2,3-dimethyl-2-butenyl, 2,3-dimethyl-3-butenyl,3,3-dimethyl-1-butenyl, 3,3-dimethyl-2-butenyl, 1-ethyl-1-butenyl, 1-ethyl-2-butenyl, 1-ethyl-3-butenyl, 2-ethyl-1-butenyl, 2-ethyl-2-butenyl, 2-ethyl-3-butenyl, 1,1,2-trimethyl-2-propenyl, 1-ethyl-1-methyl-2-propenyl, 1-ethyl-2-methyl-1-propenyl, and 1-ethyl-2-methyl-2-propenyl. The term “vinyl” refers to a group having the structure —CH═CH₂; 1-propenyl refers to a group with the structure —CH═CH—CH₃; and 2-propenyl refers to a group with the structure —CH₂—CH═CH₂. Asymmetric structures such as (Z¹Z²)C═C(Z³Z⁴) are intended to include both the E and Z isomers. This can be presumed in structural formulae herein wherein an asymmetric alkene is present, or it can be explicitly indicated by the bond symbol C=C. Alkenyl substituents may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more chemical moieties. Examples of suitable substituents include, for example, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, acyl, aldehyde, amino, cyano, carboxylic acid, ester, ether, halide, hydroxyl, ketone, nitro, phosphonyl, silyl, sulfo-oxo, sulfonyl, sulfone, sulfoxide, or thiol, as described below, provided that the sub stituents are sterically compatible and the rules of chemical bonding and strain energy are satisfied.

As used herein, the term “alkynyl” represents straight-chained or branched hydrocarbon moieties containing a triple bond. Unless otherwise specified, C₂-C₂₄ (e.g., C₂-C₂₄, C₂-C₂₀, C₂-C₁₈, C₂-C₁₆, C₂-C₁₄, C₂-C₁₂, C₂-C₁₀, C₂-C₈, C₂-C₆, or C₂-C₄) alkynyl groups are intended. Alkynyl groups may contain more than one unsaturated bond. Examples include C₂-C₆-alkynyl, such as ethynyl, 1-propynyl, 2-propynyl (or propargyl), 1-butynyl, 2-butynyl, 3-butynyl, 1-methyl-2-propynyl, 1-pentynyl, 2-pentynyl, 3-pentynyl, 4-pentynyl, 3-methyl-1-butynyl, 1-methyl-2-butynyl, 1-methyl-3-butynyl, 2-methyl-3-butynyl, 1,1-dimethyl-2-propynyl, 1-ethyl-2-propynyl, 1-hexynyl, 2-hexynyl, 3-hexynyl, 4-hexynyl, 5-hexynyl, 3-methyl-1-pentynyl, 4-methyl-1-pentynyl, 1-methyl-2-pentynyl, 4-methyl -2-pentynyl, 1-methyl-3-pentynyl, 2-methyl-3-pentynyl, 1-methyl-4-pentynyl, 2-methyl-4-pentynyl, 3-methyl-4-pentynyl, 1,1-dimethyl-2-butynyl, 1,1-dimethyl-3-butynyl, 1,2-dimethyl-3-butynyl, 2,2-dimethyl-3-butynyl, 3,3-dimethyl-1-butynyl, 1-ethyl-2-butynyl, 1-ethyl-3-butynyl, 2-ethyl-3-butynyl, and 1-ethyl -1-methyl-2-propynyl. Alkynyl substituents may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more chemical moieties. Examples of suitable substituents include, for example, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, acyl, aldehyde, amino, cyano, carboxylic acid, ester, ether, halide, hydroxyl, ketone, nitro, phosphonyl, silyl, sulfo-oxo, sulfonyl, sulfone, sulfoxide, or thiol, as described below.

As used herein, the term “aryl,” as well as derivative terms such as aryloxy, refers to groups that include a monovalent aromatic carbocyclic group of from 3 to 50 carbon atoms. Aryl groups can include a single ring or multiple condensed rings. In some embodiments, aryl groups include C₆-C₁₀ aryl groups. Examples of aryl groups include, but are not limited to, benzene, phenyl, biphenyl, naphthyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, phenylcyclopropyl, phenoxybenzene, and indanyl. The term “aryl” also includes “heteroaryl,” which is defined as a group that contains an aromatic group that has at least one heteroatom incorporated within the ring of the aromatic group. Examples of heteroatoms include, but are not limited to, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and phosphorus. The term “non-heteroaryl,” which is also included in the term “aryl,” defines a group that contains an aromatic group that does not contain a heteroatom. The aryl substituents may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more chemical moieties. Examples of suitable substituents include, for example, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, acyl, aldehyde, amino, cyano, carboxylic acid, ester, ether, halide, hydroxyl, ketone, nitro, phosphonyl, silyl, sulfo-oxo, sulfonyl, sulfone, sulfoxide, or thiol as described herein. The term “biaryl” is a specific type of aryl group and is included in the definition of aryl. Biaryl refers to two aryl groups that are bound together via a fused ring structure, as in naphthalene, or are attached via one or more carbon-carbon bonds, as in biphenyl.

The term “cycloalkyl” as used herein is a non-aromatic carbon-based ring composed of at least three carbon atoms. Examples of cycloalkyl groups include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, etc. The term “heterocycloalkyl” is a cycloalkyl group as defined above where at least one of the carbon atoms of the ring is substituted with a heteroatom such as, but not limited to, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, or phosphorus. The cycloalkyl group and heterocycloalkyl group can be substituted or unsubstituted. The cycloalkyl group and heterocycloalkyl group can be substituted with one or more groups including, but not limited to, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, acyl, aldehyde, amino, cyano, carboxylic acid, ester, ether, halide, hydroxyl, ketone, nitro, phosphonyl, silyl, sulfo-oxo, sulfonyl, sulfone, sulfoxide, or thiol as described herein.

The term “cycloalkenyl” as used herein is a non-aromatic carbon-based ring composed of at least three carbon atoms and containing at least one double bound, i.e., C═xamples of cycloalkenyl groups include, but are not limited to, cyclopropenyl, cyclobutenyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclopentadienyl, cyclohexenyl, cyclohexadienyl, and the like. The term “heterocycloalkenyl” is a type of cycloalkenyl group as defined above, and is included within the meaning of the term “cycloalkenyl,” where at least one of the carbon atoms of the ring is substituted with a heteroatom such as, but not limited to, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, or phosphorus. The cycloalkenyl group and heterocycloalkenyl group can be substituted or unsubstituted. The cycloalkenyl group and heterocycloalkenyl group can be substituted with one or more groups including, but not limited to, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, acyl, aldehyde, amino, cyano, carboxylic acid, ester, ether, halide, hydroxyl, ketone, nitro, phosphonyl, silyl, sulfo-oxo, sulfonyl, sulfone, sulfoxide, or thiol as described herein.

The term “cyclic group” is used herein to refer to either aryl groups, non-aryl groups (i.e., cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, and heterocycloalkenyl groups), or both. Cyclic groups have one or more ring systems that can be substituted or unsubstituted. A cyclic group can contain one or more aryl groups, one or more non-aryl groups, or one or more aryl groups and one or more non-aryl groups.

The term “acyl” as used herein is represented by the formula —C(O)Z¹ where Z¹ can be a hydrogen, hydroxyl, alkoxy, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocycloalkyl, or heterocycloalkenyl group described above. As used herein, the term “acyl” can be used interchangeably with “carbonyl.” Throughout this specification “C(O)” or “CO” is a short hand notation for C═O.

The term “acetal” as used herein is represented by the formula (Z¹Z²)C(═OZ³)(═OZ⁴), where Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ can be, independently, a hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocycloalkyl, or heterocycloalkenyl group described above.

As used herein, the term “alkoxy” as used herein is an alkyl group bound through a single, terminal ether linkage; that is, an “alkoxy” group can be defined as to a group of the formula Z¹—O—, where Z¹ is unsubstituted or substituted alkyl as defined above. Unless otherwise specified, alkoxy groups wherein Z¹ is a C₁-C₂₄ (e.g., C₁-C₂₂, C₁-C₂₀, C₁-C₁₈, C₁-C₁₆, C₁-C₁₄, C₁- C₁₂, C₁-C₁₀, C₁-C₆, or C₁-C₄) alkyl group are intended. Examples include methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, 1-methyl-ethoxy, butoxy, 1-methyl-propoxy, 2-methyl-propoxy, 1,1-dimethyl-ethoxy, pentoxy, 1-methyl-butyloxy, 2-methyl-butoxy, 3-methyl-butoxy, 2,2-di-methyl-propoxy, 1-ethyl-propoxy, hexoxy, 1,1-dimethyl-propoxy, 1,2-dimethyl-propoxy, 1-methyl-pentoxy, 2-methyl-pentoxy, 3-methyl-pentoxy, 4-methyl-penoxy, 1,1-dimethyl-butoxy, 1,2-dimethyl-butoxy, 1,3-dimethyl-butoxy, 2,2-dimethyl-butoxy, 2,3-dimethyl-butoxy, 3,3-dimethyl-butoxy, 1-ethyl-butoxy, 2-ethylbutoxy, 1,1,2-trimethyl-propoxy, 1,2,2-trimethyl-propoxy, 1-ethyl-1-methyl-propoxy, and 1-ethyl-2-methyl-propoxy.

The term “aldehyde” as used herein is represented by the formula —C(O)H. Throughout this specification “C(O)” is a short hand notation for C═O.

The terms “amine” or “amino” as used herein are represented by the formula —NZ¹Z²Z³, where Z¹, Z², and Z³ can each be substitution group as described herein, such as hydrogen, an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocycloalkyl, or heterocycloalkenyl group described above.

The terms “amide” or “amido” as used herein are represented by the formula C(O)NZ¹Z², where Z¹ and Z² can each be substitution group as described herein, such as hydrogen, an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocycloalkyl, or heterocycloalkenyl group described above.

The term “carboxylic acid” as used herein is represented by the formula —C(O)OH. A “carboxylate” or “carboxyl” group as used herein is represented by the formula —C(O)O⁻.

The term “cyano” as used herein is represented by the formula —CN.

The term “ester” as used herein is represented by the formula —OC(O)Z¹ or —C(O)OZ¹, where Z¹ can be an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocycloalkyl, or heterocycloalkenyl group described above.

The term “ether” as used herein is represented by the formula Z¹OZ², where Z¹ and Z² can be, independently, an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocycloalkyl, or heterocycloalkenyl group described above.

The term “ketone” as used herein is represented by the formula Z¹C(O)Z², where Z¹ and Z² can be, independently, an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocycloalkyl, or heterocycloalkenyl group described above.

The term “halide” or “halogen” or “halo” as used herein refers to fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine.

The term “hydroxyl” as used herein is represented by the formula —OH.

The term “nitro” as used herein is represented by the formula —NO₂.

The term “phosphonyl” is used herein to refer to the phospho-oxo group represented by the formula —P(O)(OZ¹)₂, where Z¹ can be hydrogen, an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocycloalkyl, or heterocycloalkenyl group described above.

The term “silyl” as used herein is represented by the formula —SiZ¹Z²Z³, where Z¹, Z², and Z³ can be, independently, hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocycloalkyl, or heterocycloalkenyl group described above.

The term “sulfonyl” or “sulfone” is used herein to refer to the sulfo-oxo group represented by the formula —S(O)₂Z¹, where Z¹ can be hydrogen, an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocycloalkyl, or heterocycloalkenyl group described above.

The term “sulfide” as used herein is comprises the formula —S—.

The term “thiol” as used herein is represented by the formula —SH.

“R¹,” “R²,” “R³,” “R^(n),” etc., where n is some integer, as used herein can, independently, possess one or more of the groups listed above. For example, if R¹ is a straight chain alkyl group, one of the hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group can optionally be substituted with a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, an amine group, an alkyl group, a halide, and the like. Depending upon the groups that are selected, a first group can be incorporated within second group or, alternatively, the first group can be pendant (i.e., attached) to the second group. For example, with the phrase “an alkyl group comprising an amino group,” the amino group can be incorporated within the backbone of the alkyl group. Alternatively, the amino group can be attached to the backbone of the alkyl group. The nature of the group(s) that is (are) selected will determine if the first group is embedded or attached to the second group.

Unless stated to the contrary, a formula with chemical bonds shown only as solid lines and not as wedges or dashed lines contemplates each possible stereoisomer or mixture of stereoisomer (e.g., each enantiomer, each diastereomer, each meso compound, a racemic mixture, or scalemic mixture).

Reference will now be made in detail to specific aspects of the disclosed materials, compounds, compositions, articles, and methods, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying examples and figures.

Composite Electrodes and Methods of Making Thereof

Disclosed herein are methods of making composite electrodes, for example wherein the composite electrodes comprise a MoS₂ thin film and a nanostructured electrode. In some examples, the methods can comprise depositing a precursor solution onto a substrate, thereby forming a precursor electrode comprising a precursor layer disposed on the substrate.

The precursor solution comprises a precursor compound of formula I:

[Mo₃S_(y)(S₂CNR₂)_(z)]X_(4−z)   I

wherein

-   -   y is 4 or 7;     -   z is 3 or 4, with the proviso that when y is 7, z is 3;     -   R is a substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₅ alkyl group, a         substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₅ alkenyl group, a substituted         or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₅ alkynyl group, or a substituted or         unsubstituted C₃-C₂₀ aryl group;     -   X is a halide anion, a tetrafluoroborate anion, or a         hexafluorophosphate anion.

In some examples of Formula I, X is a halide anion. In some examples of Formula I, X is an iodine anion. In some examples of Formula I, X is a tetrafluoroborate anion or a hexafluorophosphate anion. In some examples of Formula I, R is a substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. In some examples of Formula I, R is an unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. In some examples of Formula I, is ethyl. In some examples of Formula I, R is a substituted or unsubstituted C₁₀-C₁₅ aryl. In some examples of Formula I, R is a substituted C₁₀-C₁₅ aryl. In some examples of Formula I, R is 3,5-di-tert-butylbenzyl.

In some examples of Formula I, z can be 3 and y can be 7 and the compounds can be of Formula A:

wherein the dotted lines between S, C, and N represent single or double bonds, as valence permits.

In some examples of Formula A, X is a halide anion. In some examples of Formula A, X is an iodine anion. In some examples of Formula A, X is a tetrafluoroborate anion or a hexafluorophosphate anion. In some examples of Formula A, R is a substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. In some examples of Formula A, R is an unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. In some examples of Formula A, is ethyl. In some examples of Formula A, R is a substituted or unsubstituted C₁₀-C₁₅ aryl. In some examples of Formula A, R is a substituted C₁₀-C₁₅ aryl. In some examples of Formula A, R is 3,5-di-tert-butylbenzyl.

In some examples of Formula I, z can be 3 and y can be 4 and the compounds can be of Formula B:

wherein the dotted lines between S, C, and N represent single or double bonds, as valence permits.

In some examples of Formula B, X is a halide anion. In some examples of Formula B, X is an iodine anion. In some examples of Formula B, X is a tetrafluoroborate anion or a hexafluorophosphate anion. In some examples of Formula B, R is a substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. In some examples of Formula B, R is an unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. In some examples of Formula B, is ethyl. In some examples of Formula B, R is a substituted or unsubstituted C₁₀-C₁₅ aryl. In some examples of Formula B, R is a substituted C₁₀-C₁₅ aryl. In some examples of Formula B, R is 3,5-di-tert-butylbenzyl.

In some examples of Formula I, z can be 4 and y can be 4 and the compounds can be for Formula C:

wherein the dotted lines between S and C, and C and N represent single or double bonds, as valence permits.

In some examples of Formula C, R is a substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C4 alkyl. In some examples of Formula C, R is an unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyl. In some examples of Formula C, is ethyl. In some examples of Formula C, R is a substituted or unsubstituted C₁₀-C₁₅ aryl. In some examples of Formula C, R is a substituted C₁₀-C₁₅ aryl. In some examples of Formula C, R is 3,5-di-tert-butylbenzyl.

The concentration of the precursor compound in the precursor solution can, for example, be 10 nanoMolar (nM) or more (e.g., 20 nM or more, 30 nM or more, 40 nM or more, 50 nM or more, 100 nM or more, 150 nM or more, 200 nM or more, 250 nM or more, 300 nM or more, 400 nM or more, 500 nM or more, 750 nM or more, 1 microMolar (μM) or more, 2 μM or more, 3 μM or more, 4 μM or more, 5 μM or more, 10 μM or more, 15 μM or more, 20 μM or more, 30 μM or more, 40 μM or more, 50 μM or more, 100 μM or more, 150 μM or more, 200 μM or more, 250 μM or more, 300 μM or more, 400 μM or more, 500 μM or more, 750 μM or more, 1 milliMolar (mM) or more, 2 mM or more, 3 mM or more, 4 mM or more, 5 mM or more, 10 mM or more, 15 mM or more, or 20 mM or more). In some examples, the concentration of the precursor compound in the precursor solution can be 50 milliMolar (mM) or less (e.g., 40 mM or less, 30 mM or less, 20 mM or less, 15 mM or less, 10 mM or less, 5 mM or less, 4 mM or less, 3 mM or less, 2 mM or less, 1 mM or less, 750 μM or less, 500 μM or less, 400 μM or less, 300 μM or less, 250 μM or less, 200 μM or less, 150 μM or less, 100 μM or less, 50 μM or less, 40 μM or less, 30 μM or less, 20 μM or less, 15 μM or less, 10 μM or less, 5 μM or less, 4 μM or less, 3 μM or less, 2 μM or less, 1 μM or less, 750 nM or less, 500 nM or less, 400 nM or less, 300 nM or less, 250 nM or less, 200 nM or less, 150 nM or less, 100 nM or less, 50 nM or less, 40 nM or less, 30 nM or less, 20 nM or less, 15 nM or less, 10 nM or less, or 5 nM or less).

The concentration of the precursor compound in the precursor solution can range from any of the minimum values described above to any of the maximum values described above. For example, the concentration of the precursor compound can be from 10 nM to 50 mM (e.g., from 10 nM to 1 μM, from 1 μM to 50 mM, from 10 nM to 100 nM, from 100 nM to 500 nM, from 500 nM to 1 μM, from 1 μM to 10 μM, from 10 μM to 100 μM, from 100 μM to 500 μM, from 500 μM to 1 mM, from 1 mM to 10 mM, from 10 mM to 50 mM, from 250 μM to 5 mM, or from 2 mM to 3 mM).

In some examples, the precursor solution can further comprise a solvent. Examples of solvents include, but are not limited to, tetrahydrofuran (THF), dimethylformamide (DMF), dichloromethane (CH₂Cl₂), ethylene glycol, ethanol, methanol, water, acetonitrile, chloroform, toluene, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and combinations thereof.

The precursor solution can, for example, be deposited onto the substrate by spin coating, spray coating, physical vapor deposition (e.g., sputtering, evaporation, etc.), chemical vapor deposition, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the precursor solution is deposited onto the substrate by spin coating and/or spray coating.

The substrate can, for example, comprise a semiconductor substrate and/or a conductive substrate. In some examples, the substrate can comprise a semiconductor substrate comprising a semiconductor selected from the group consisting of TiO₂, Cu₂O, CuFeO₂, Si, InGaN, InGaP, InP, and combinations thereof. In some examples, the semiconductor comprises Cu₂O. In some examples, the substrate can comprise a conductive substrate comprising Cu, Ag, Au, Fe, Ti, Al, Pt, C, indium doped tin oxide (ITO), fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO), or a combination thereof. In some examples, the conductive substrate comprises FTO.

The substrate can, in some examples, comprise a layer comprising a semiconductor disposed on a conductive substrate, wherein the semiconductor can be selected from the group consisting of TiO₂, Cu₂O, CuFeO₂, Si, InGaN, InGaP, InP, and combinations thereof. In some examples, the methods can further comprise forming the substrate by electrodepositing the semiconductor layer onto the conductive substrate.

In some examples, the semiconductor can comprise a plurality of particles. The plurality of particles can have an average particle size. “Average particle size” and “mean particle size” are used interchangeably herein, and generally refer to the statistical mean particle size of the particles in a population of particles. For example, the average particle size for a plurality of particles with a substantially spherical shape can comprise the average diameter of the plurality of particles. For a particle with a substantially spherical shape, the diameter of a particle can refer, for example, to the hydrodynamic diameter. As used herein, the hydrodynamic diameter of a particle can refer to the largest linear distance between two points on the surface of the particle. For an anisotropic particle, the average particle size can refer to, for example, the average maximum dimension of the particle (e.g., the length of a rod shaped particle, the diagonal of a cube shape particle, the bisector of a triangular shaped particle, etc.) For an anisotropic particle, the average particle size can refer to, for example, the hydrodynamic size of the particle. Mean particle size can be measured using methods known in the art, such as evaluation by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and/or dynamic light scattering.

The semiconductor can comprise a plurality of particles having an average particle size of 5 nanometers (nm) or more (e.g., 6 nm or more, 7 nm or more, 8 nm or more, 9 nm or more, 10 nm or more, 15 nm or more, 20 nm or more, 25 nm or more, 30 nm or more, 35 nm or more, 40 nm or more, 45 nm or more, 50 nm or more, 60 nm or more, 70 nm or more, 80 nm or more, 90 nm or more, 100 nm or more, 150 nm or more, 200 nm or more, 250 nm or more, 300 nm or more, 350 nm or more, 400 nm or more, 450 nm or more, 500 nm or more, 600 nm or more, 700 nm or more, 800 nm or more, 900 nm or more, 1 micrometer (pm) or more, 2 μm or more, 3μm or more, 4 μm or more, or 5 μm or more). In some examples, the plurality of particles can have an average particle size of 10 micrometers (μm) or less (e.g., 9 μm or less, 8 μm or less, 7 μm or less, 6 μm or less, 5 μm or less, 4 μm or less, 3 μm or less, 2 μm or less, 1 μm or less, 900 nm or less, 800 nm or less, 700 nm or less, 600 nm or less, 500 nm or less, 450 nm or less, 400 nm or less, 350 nm or less, 300 nm or less, 250 nm or less, 200 nm or less, 150 nm or less, 100 nm or less, 90 nm or less, 80 nm or less, 70 nm or less, 60 nm or less, 50 nm or less, 45 nm or less, 40 nm or less, 35 nm or less, 30 nm or less, 25 nm or less, 20 nm or less, 15 nm or less, or 10 nm or less).

The average particle size of the plurality of particles can range from any of the minimum values described above to any of the maximum values described above. For example, the plurality of particles can have an average particle size of from 5 nm to 10 μm (e.g., from 5 nm to 500 nm, from 500 nm to 10 μm, from 5 nm to 100 nm, from 100 nm to 500 nm, from 500 nm to 1 μm, from 1 μm to 10 μm, from 50 nm to 1 μm, or from 1 μm to 2 μm).

In some examples, the plurality of particles can be substantially monodisperse. “Monodisperse” and “homogeneous size distribution,” as used herein, and generally describe a population of particles where all of the particles are the same or nearly the same size. As used herein, a monodisperse distribution refers to particle distributions in which 80% of the distribution (e.g., 85% of the distribution, 90% of the distribution, or 95% of the distribution) lies within 25% of the mean particle size (e.g., within 20% of the mean particle size, within 15% of the mean particle size, within 10% of the mean particle size, or within 5% of the mean particle size).

The plurality of particles can comprise particles of any shape (e.g., a sphere, a rod, a quadrilateral, an ellipse, a triangle, a polygon, etc.). In some examples, the plurality of particles can have an isotropic shape. In some examples, the plurality of particles are substantially spherical.

In some examples, the substrate can comprise a layer of a semiconductor wherein the semiconductor layer has an average thickness of 5 nm or more (e.g., 6 nm or more, 7 nm or more, 8 nm or more, 9 nm or more, 10 nm or more, 15 nm or more, 20 nm or more, 25 nm or more, 30 nm or more, 35 nm or more, 40 nm or more, 45 nm or more, 50 nm or more, 60 nm or more, 70 nm or more, 80 nm or more, 90 nm or more, 100 nm or more, 150 nm or more, 200 nm or more, 250 nm or more, 300 nm or more, 350 nm or more, 400 nm or more, 450 nm or more, 500 nm or more, 600 nm or more, 700 nm or more, 800 nm or more, 900 nm or more, 1 micrometer (μm) or more, 2 μm or more, 3 μm or more, 4 μm or more, or 5 μm or more). In some examples, the semiconductor layer can have an average thickness of 10 micrometers (μm) or less (e.g., 9 μm or less, 8 μm or less, 7 μm or less, 6 μm or less, 5 μm or less, 4 μm or less, 3 pm or less, 2 μm or less, 1 μm or less, 900 nm or less, 800 nm or less, 700 nm or less, 600 nm or less, 500 nm or less, 450 nm or less, 400 nm or less, 350 nm or less, 300 nm or less, 250 nm or less, 200 nm or less, 150 nm or less, 100 nm or less, 90 nm or less, 80 nm or less, 70 nm or less, 60 nm or less, 50 nm or less, 45 nm or less, 40 nm or less, 35 nm or less, 30 nm or less, 25 nm or less, 20 nm or less, 15 nm or less, or 10 nm or less).

The average thickness of the semiconductor layer can range from any of the minimum values described above to any of the maximum values described above. For example, the semiconductor layer can have an average thickness of from 5 nm to 10 μm (e.g., from 5 nm to 500 nm, from 500 nm to 10 μm, from 5 nm to 100 nm, from 100 nm to 500 nm, from 500 nm to 1 μm, from 1 μm to 10 μm, from 50 nm to 1 μm, or from 1 μm to 2 μm). The average thickness of the semiconductor layer can be measured using methods known in the art, such as evaluation by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, surface profilometry, X-ray reflectometry, polarized-light microscopy (ellipsometry), or a combination thereof.

The methods further comprise thermally annealing the precursor electrode, thereby forming a composite electrode comprising a MoS₂ layer disposed on the substrate. Thermally annealing the precursor electrode can comprise contacting the precursor electrode with an annealing gas at an annealing temperature. In some examples, the annealing gas can comprise an inert gas. In some examples, the annealing gas can comprise Nz.

The annealing temperature can, for example, be 50° C. or more (e.g., 75° C. or more, 100° C. or more, 125° C. or more, 150° C. or more, 175° C. or more, 200° C. or more, 225° C. or more, 250° C. or more, 275° C. or more, 300° C. or more, 325° C. or more, 350° C. or more, 375° C. or more, 400° C. or more, 425° C. or more, 450° C. or more, 475° C. or more, 500° C. or more, 525° C. or more, or 550° C. or more). In some examples, the annealing temperature can be 600° C. or less (e.g., 575° C. or less, 550° C. or less, 525° C. or less, 500° C. or less, 475° C. or less, 450° C. or less, 425° C. or less, 400° C. or less, 375° C. or less, 350° C. or less, 325° C. or less, 300° C. or less, 275° C. or less, 250° C. or less, 225° C. or less, 200° C. or less, 175° C. or less, 150° C. or less, 125° C. or less, or 100° C. or less). The annealing temperature can range from any of the minimum values described above to any of the maximum values described above. For example, the annealing temperature can be from 50° C. to 600° C. (e.g., from 50° C. to 325° C., from 325° C. to 600° C., from 50° C. to 200° C., from 200° C. to 400° C., from 400° C. to 600° C., from 200° C. to 600° C., from 300° C. to 600° C., from 350° C. to 500° C., from 400° C. to 500° C., from 350° C. to 450° C., or 425° C. to 475° C.).

The precursor electrode can, for example, be thermally annealed for an amount of time of 10 seconds or more (e.g., 15 seconds or more, 20 seconds or more, 25 seconds or more, 30 seconds or more, 40 seconds or more, 50 seconds or more, 1 minute or more, 2 minutes or more, 3 minutes or more, 4 minutes or more, 5 minutes or more, 10 minutes or more, 15 minutes or more, 20 minutes or more, 25 minutes or more, 30 minutes or more, 45 minutes or more, 1 hour or more, 2 hours or more, 3 hours or more, 4 hours or more, 5 hours or more, 6 hours or more, 7 hours or more, 8 hours or more, or 9 hours or more). In some examples, the precursor electrode can be thermally annealed for 12 hours or less (e.g., 11 hours or less, 10 hours or less, 9 hours or less, 8 hours or less, 7 hours or less, 6 hours or less, 5 hours or less, 4 hours or less, 3 hours or less, 2 hours or less, 1 hour or less, 45 minutes or less, 30 minutes or less, 25 minutes or less, 20 minutes or less, 15 minutes or less, 10 minutes or less, 5 minutes or less, 4 minutes or less, 3 minutes or less, 2 minutes or less, 1 minute or less, 50 seconds or less, 40 seconds or less, or 30 seconds or less). The amount of time the precursor electrode is thermally annealed can range from any of the minimum values described above to any of the maximum values described above. For example, the precursor electrode can be thermally annealed for an amount of time from 10 seconds to 12 hours (e.g., from 10 seconds to 6 hours, from 6 hours to 12 hours, from 10 seconds to 1 minute, from 1 minute to 10 minutes, from 10 minutes to 30 minutes, from 30 minutes to 1 hour, from 1 hour to 3 hours, from 3 hours to 6 hours, from 6 hours to 9 hours, from 9 hours to 12 hours, or from 1 minute to 10 hours).

In some examples, the MoS₂ layer of the composite electrode can have an average thickness of 1 nm or more (e.g., 2 nm or more, 3 nm or more, 4 nm or more, 5 nm or more, 6 nm or more, 7 nm or more, 8 nm or more, 9 nm or more, 10 nm or more, 15 nm or more, 20 nm or more, 25 nm or more, 30 nm or more, 35 nm or more, 40 nm or more, 45 nm or more, 50 nm or more, 60 nm or more, 70 nm or more, 80 nm or more, 90 nm or more, 100 nm or more, 125 nm or more, or 150 nm or more). In some examples, the MoS₂ layer can have an average thickness of 200 nm or less (e.g., 175 nm or less, 150 nm or less, 125 nm or less, 100 nm or less, 90 nm or less, 80 nm or less, 70 nm or less, 60 nm or less, 50 nm or less, 45 nm or less, 40 nm or less, 35 nm or less, 30 nm or less, 25 nm or less, 20 nm or less, 15 nm or less, 10 nm or less, 9 nm or less, 8 nm or less, 7 nm or less, 6 nm or less, or 5 nm or less).

The average thickness of the MoS₂ layer can range from any of the minimum values described above to any of the maximum values described above. For example, the MoS₂ layer can have an average thickness of from 1 nm to 200 nm (e.g., from 1 nm to 100 nm, from 100 nm to 200 nm, from 1 nm to 50 nm, from 50 nm to 100 nm, from 100 nm to 150 nm, from 150 nm to 200 nm, from 1 nm to 150 nm, from 5 nm to 100 nm, from 10 nm to 50 nm, from 20 nm to 40 nm, from 30 nm to 40 nm, or from 25 nm to 35 nm). The average thickness of the MoS₂ layer can be measured using methods known in the art, such as evaluation by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, surface profilometry, X-ray reflectometry, polarized-light microscopy (ellipsometry), or a combination thereof. The desired thickness of the MoS₂ layer can, for example, be selected based on the concentration of the precursor compound in the precursor solution, the deposition conditions, the annealing conditions, or a combination thereof.

Also disclosed herein are the composite electrodes made by the methods described herein. The composite electrode can, for example, have a photocurrent density of 2.0 mA cm⁻² or more at 0 Volts (V) vs. a reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) (e.g., 2.5 mA cm⁻² or more, 3.0 mA cm⁻² or more, 3.5 mA cm⁻² or more, 4.0 mA cm⁻² or more, 4.5 mA cm⁻² or more, 5.0 mA cm⁻² or more, 5.5 mA cm⁻² or more, 6.0 mA cm⁻² or more, 6.5 mA cm⁻² or more, 7.0 mA cm⁻² or more, 7.5 mA cm⁻² or more, 8.0 mA cm⁻² or more, 8.5 mA cm⁻² or more, 9.0 mA cm⁻² or more, 9.5 mA cm⁻² or more, 10.0 mA cm⁻² or more, 11.0 mA cm⁻² or more, 12.0 mA cm⁻² or more, 13.0 mA cm⁻² or more, 14.0 mA cm⁻² or more, 15.0 mA cm⁻² or more, 16.0 mA cm⁻² or more, or 17.0 mA cm⁻² or more). In some examples, the composite electrode can have a photocurrent density of 20 mA cm⁻² or less at 0 V vs. RHE (e.g., 19.0 mA cm⁻² or less, 18.0 mA cm⁻² or less, 17.0 mA cm⁻² or less, 16.0 mA cm⁻² or less, 15.0 mA cm⁻² or less, 14.0 mA cm⁻² or less, 13.0 mA cm⁻² or less, 12.0 mA cm⁻² or less, 11.0 mA cm⁻² or less, 10.0 mA cm⁻² or less, 9.5 mA cm⁻² or less, 9.0 mA cm⁻² or less, 8.5 mA cm⁻² or less, 8.0 mA cm⁻² or less, 7.5 mA cm⁻² or less, 7.0 mA cm⁻² or less, 6.5 mA cm⁻² or less, 6.0 mA cm⁻² or less, 5.5 mA cm⁻² or less, 5.0 mA cm⁻² or less, 4.5 mA cm⁻² or less, 4.0 mA cm⁻² or less, 3.5 mA cm⁻² or less, or 3.0 mA cm⁻² or less).

The photocurrent density of the composite electrode can range from any of the minimum values described above to any of the maximum values described above. For example, the composite electrode can have a photocurrent density of from 2.0 mA cm⁻² to 20.0 mA cm⁻² at 0 V vs. RHE (e.g., from 2.0 mA cm⁻² to 11.0 mA cm⁻², from 11.0 mA cm⁻² to 20.0 mA cm⁻², from 2.0 mA cm⁻² to 8.0 mA cm⁻², from 8.0 mA cm⁻² to 14.0 mA cm⁻², from 14.0 mA cm⁻² to 20.0 mA cm⁻², from 2.0 mA cm⁻² to 15.0 mA cm⁻², 2.0 mA cm⁻² to 10.0 mA cm⁻², or from 2.0 mA cm⁻² to 4.0 mA cm⁻²).

The composite electrode can, for example, have a dark current onset potential of −0.9 V or less as measured against a saturated calomel electrode (SCE) (e.g., −0.96 V or less, −0.97 V or less, −0.98 V or less, −0.99 V or less, −1.00 V or less, −1.01 V or less, −1.02 V or less, −1.03 V or less, −1.04 V or less, −1.05 V or less, −1.06 V or less, −1.07 V or less, −1.08 V or less, −1.09 V or less, −1.10 V or less, −1.11 V or less, −1.12 V or less, −1.13 V or less, −1.14 V or less, −1.15 V or less, −1.16 V or less, or −1.17 V or less). In some examples, the composite electrode can have a dark current onset potential of −1.2 V or more vs. SCE (e.g., −1.19 V or more, −1.18 V or more, −1.17 V or more, −1.16 V or more, −1.15 V or more, −1.14 V or more, −1.13 V or more, −1.12 V or more, −1.11 V or more, −1.10 V or more, −1.09 V or more, −1.08 V or more, −1.07 V or more, −1.06 V or more, −1.05 V or more, −1.04 V or more, −1.03 V or more, −1.02 V or more, −1.01 V or more, −1.00 V or more, −0.99 V or more, −0.98 V or more, −0.97 V or more, −0.96 V or more, −0.95 V or more, or −0.94 V or more) The dark current onset potential of the composite electrode can range from any of the minimum values described above to any of the maximum values described above. For example, the composite electrode can have a dark current onset potential of from −0.9 V to −1.2 V vs. SCE (e.g., from −0.9 V to −1.05 V, from −1.05 V to −1.2 V, from −0.9 V to −1.0 V, from −1.0 V to −1.1 V, from −1.1 V to −1.2 V, or from −0.95 V to −1.15 V).

In some examples, the composite electrode can have a power efficiency of 1% or more (e.g., 1.25% or more, 1.5% or more, 1.75% or more, 2% or more, 2.25% or more, 2.5% or more, 2.75% or more, 3% or more, 3.25% or more, 3.5% or more, 3.75% or more, 4% or more, 4.25% or more, or 4.5% or more). In some examples, the composite electrode can have a power efficiency of 5% or less (e.g., 4.75% or less, 4.5% or less, 4.25% or less, 4% or less, 3.75% or less, 3.5% or less, 3.25% or less, 3% or less, 2.75% or less, 2.5% or less, 2.25% or less, 2% or less, 1.75% or less, or 1.5% or less). The power efficiency of the composite electrode can range from any of the minimum values described above to any of the maximum values described above. For example, the composite electrode can have a power efficiency of from 1% to 5% (e.g., from 1% to 3%, from 3% to 5%, from 1% to 2%, from 2% to 3%, from 3% to 4%, from 4% to 5%, or from 2% to 4%).

In some examples, the composite electrode can have a relatively better photo-stability in a near-neutral 0.5 M Na₂SO4 electrolyte at a constant potential of −0.6 V vs. SCE. For example, the composite electrode can have a stability of 25% or more after 10 minutes in near-neutral electrolyte (e.g., 30% or more, 35% or more, 40% or more, 45% or more, 50% or more, 55% or more, 60% or more, 65% or more, 70% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 91% or more, 92% or more, 93% or more, 94% or more, 95% or more, 96% or more, 97% or more, 98% or more, or 99% or more).

Methods of Use

Also disclosed herein are methods of use of the composite electrodes described herein. For example, the composite electrodes can be used as an electrode in an electrolysis reaction, a photoelectrochemical reaction, a water splitting reaction, in a solar cell, in a charge storage device, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the composite electrodes can be used in various articles of manufacture including sensors, energy conversion devices (e.g., solar cells, fuel cells, photovoltaic cells), and combinations thereof.

Also described herein are electrolysis and photoelectrochemical cells comprising: a working electrode comprising any of the composite electrodes described herein in electrochemical contact with a liquid sample; and one or more additional electrodes in electrochemical contact with the liquid sample. In some examples, the liquid sample comprises water.

Also described herein are methods of use of the electrolysis and photoelectrochemical cells described herein. For example, the photoelectrochemical cells can be used for a water splitting reaction, such as solar water splitting.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are set forth below to illustrate the methods and results according to the disclosed subject matter. These examples are not intended to be inclusive of all aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein, but rather to illustrate representative methods and results. These examples are not intended to exclude equivalents and variations of the present invention which are apparent to one skilled in the art.

Efforts have been made to ensure accuracy with respect to numbers (e.g., amounts, temperature, etc.) but some errors and deviations should be accounted for. Unless indicated otherwise, parts are parts by weight, temperature is in ° C. or is at ambient temperature, and pressure is at or near atmospheric. There are numerous variations and combinations of reaction conditions, e.g., component concentrations, temperatures, pressures and other reaction ranges and conditions that can be used to optimize the product purity and yield obtained from the described process. Only reasonable and routine experimentation will be required to optimize such process conditions.

Solar water splitting can be achieved via a photoelectrochemical cell comprised of a photoactive semiconductor/electrolyte junction, where the minority charge carriers (electrons for a p-type semiconductor) generated upon light absorption in the semiconductor are driven into the electrolyte by the electric field established at the junction to store energy as H₂. Cuprous oxide (Cu₂O) is among the attractive p-type semiconducting materials with a suitable band gap for sunlight absorption and 18% theoretical photoelectrochemical water splitting efficiency (Paracchino A et al. Nat. Mater. 2011, 10, 456-461). Because the valence band of Cu₂O originates mainly from the more diffuse and less directional Cu d orbitals than O p orbitals, the effective mass of the hole is lower. As a result, Cu₂O possesses excellent electrical properties such as a long carrier diffusion length (up to several micrometers) (Olsen L C et al. Solar Cells 1982, 7, 247-279) and high hole mobility (100 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹) (Musa A O et al. Sol. Energy Mater. Sol. Cells 1998, 51, 305-316), leading to efficient extraction of separated charge carriers from an electrochemical device containing Cu₂O. For example, Cu₂O has been widely exploited as a hole transport layer in planar p-i-n junction perovskite solar cells leading to high conversion efficiencies (Chatterjee S et al. J. Phys. Chem. C 2016, 120, 1428-1437). Cu₂O is a p-type semiconductor that can efficiently absorb visible light and has a high absorption coefficient due to its narrow-forbidden band. Additional merits such as low-cost, abundance, easy scale-up by a simple electrodeposition method, greater visible light absorptivity, and proper straddling of its energy bands for the water reduction and oxidation potential levels make Cu₂O attractive for potential applications in solar energy conversion and photocatalysis, such as for a photocathode to achieve visible-light-driven proton reduction for H₂ evolution.

However, Cu₂O photocathodes suffer from poor chemical stability and sluggish proton reduction for splitting water under sunlight. The use of Cu₂O as a photocathode for water reduction is hindered by its poor stability in aqueous solutions because the redox potentials for the self-reduction of Cu₂O to Cu and self-oxidation of Cu₂O to CuO all lie within the bandgap of Cu₂O, which eventually limits its durability and energy conversion. Thus, there is a need to develop a methodology to improve its stability for solar water splitting. Ultrathin Al:ZnO plus a few nm layer of TiO₂ followed by RuO_(x) or MoS₂ and Pt nanoparticles (NPs) have been used to coat the surface of electrodeposited Cu₂O to reduce its decomposition, and achieve the photocurrents of up to −7 mA cm⁻² at 0 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (Paracchino A et al. Nat. Mater. 2011, 10, 456-461; Azevedo J et al. Energ. Environ. Sci. 2014, 7, 4044-4052; Morales-Guio CG et al. Nat. Commun. 2014, 5, 3059; Li C et al. Energ. Environ. Sci. 2015, 8, 1493-1500). The Pt nanoparticles are often used as catalyst in these studies for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER), but large-scale applications of expensive Pt in photoelectrochemical solar fuel devices are severely limited. Other researchers used Pt-free approaches to protect Cu₂O by use of graphene oxide, porous Cu₂MoS₄ followed by NiO layer and NiFe layered double hydroxide structures (Dubale A A et al. J. Mater. Chem. A 2014, 2, 18383-18397; Yang C et al. Nanoscale 2014, 6, 6506-6510; Qi H et al. Sci. Rep. 2016, 6, 30882). These approaches have yielded photocurrent of −4.8 mA cm⁻² at 0 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode.

Molybdenum sulfide (MoS₂) has shown good prospects as both a protection layer and an electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction because of its excellent stability and high electrocatalytic activity, which can serve as excellent alternative material for proton reduction. However, the current electrodeposition coating methods only provide an amorphous MoS₂ layer on AZO+TiO₂-covered Cu₂O, and Pt nanoparticles are still needed to realize a photocurrent of −2.7 mA cm⁻² at 0 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode from 1 M Na₂SO₄ with 0.1 M K₃PO₄ (at pH=5) (Morales-Guio C G et al. Nat. Commun. 2014, 5, 3059). Thus, a strategy is still needed for depositing MoS₂ that does not demand a complex procedure involving layers of multiple oxides followed by decoration of expensive Pt nanoparticles.

Described herein are methods of synthesizing and coating MoS₂ from a soluble precursor compound [Mo₃S₇(S₂CNEt₂)₃]I for catalytic proton reduction on the surface of cuprous oxide (Cu₂O) for solar water splitting. Coating the MoS₂ layer onto Cu₂O can improve its stability and proton reduction efficiency. The MoS₂ coating on top of Cu₂O is achieved by spin coating [Mo₃S₇(S₂CNEt₂)₃]I combined with a thermal annealing method to obtain the desired stoichiometry. The MoS₂ films synthesized using this method show good prospects for use as both a protection layer and an electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) due to its excellent stability and high electrocatalytic activity. The proton reduction performance of spin-coated MoS₂/FTO electrodes were studied to determine the optimal synthesis conditions using various derivatives of MoS₂ precursors. The photoelectrochemical measurements demonstrate higher activity for 3-layered (<50 nm thick) MoS₂/Cu₂O photocathode fabricated at 450° C. with a photocurrent on the order of 5 mA cm⁻² at −0.2 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode. Additionally, the MoS₂ coating improves the dark current characteristics of the Cu₂O photocathode. Thus, a thin crystalline MoS₂ coating not only protects the Cu₂O from being reduced in the electrolyte but also enhances the catalytic activity to facilitate proton reduction.

FIG. 1 shows the molecular structure of [Mo₃S₇(S₂CNEt₂)₃]I and a schematic of the solar water splitting system to generate hydrogen using MoS₂-modified Cu₂O photocathode. With the improved photoelectrochemical water splitting configuration of MoS₂/Cu₂O, the photo-generated electrons can be effectively transported from the light-absorbing Cu₂O to the catalytic sites of MoS₂, helping facilitate the reduction of protons to hydrogen while preventing corrosion of Cu₂O. Such synthetic and coating approaches for MoS₂ offer a solution for large-scale production of dual functional MoS₂/Cu₂O photocathode for overall photoelectrochemical water splitting with solar energy.

Copper sulfate anhydrous (CuSO₄, 98%, ACROS), lactic acid (C₃H₆O₃, 85.0-90.0%, Alfa Aesar), sodium hydroxide (beads, VWR), sodium sulfate anhydrous (Na₂SO₄, 99%, Fisher Scientific), acetone, absolute ethanol, and ethanol, tetrahydrofuran (THF), etc. were used as-received without further purification. All the solutions were freshly made using high purity deionized water (Resistivity<18 MΩ·cm). Commercially available transparent conducting glass substrates such as tin-doped indium oxide (ITO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO, 15-20 Ω·cm⁻¹) were used for photoelectrochemical study with sample size of 1.5 cm×1.5 cm.

Prior to electrodeposition, the FTO (and ITO) substrates were cleaned successively using detergent followed by acetone, ethanol and deionized water in an ultrasonic bath each for 10 min, and finally dried using a nitrogen gas stream. The substrates were then treated by UV-ozone for 15 min. Electrodeposition of Cu₂O was carried out using a slightly modified method analogous to the one reported elsewhere (Golden T D et al. Chem. Mater. 1996, 8, 2499-2504). The electrolyte for electrodeposition was comprised of a lactate-stabilized solution consisting of 0.2 M CuSO₄ and 3.0 M lactic acid prepared using deionized water. A p-type electrodeposit of Cu₂O was ensured by maintaining an alkaline electrolyte environment, which was adjusted to a pH of 11.0 using an appropriate amount of NaOH. The deposition was accomplished at room temperature using an electrochemical workstation CHI760C (CH Instruments, Inc., Austin, Tex.) in a three-electrode system with a glass substrate as a working electrode (˜2 cm² deposition area), a graphite rod as a counter electrode, and a platinum coil as a quasi-reference electrode. Cu₂O was deposited at −0.3 V vs. Pt with total charge of ˜4.5 C for optimal film thickness (few μm).

The solvents employed for synthesis of the MoS₂ precursor derivatives were dried with a system of drying columns from the Glass Contour Company (CH₂Cl₂, hexanes), purchased in an ultra-dry grade (N,N-dimethylformamide), or simply used as received from commercial sources. Tetraethylthiuram disulfide was also used as supplied from a commercial vendor. Literature procedures were used in the preparations of [NH₄]₂[Mo₃S₁₃] (Müller A et al. Chem. Ber. 1979, 112, 778-780) and [Mo₃S₇(S₂CNEt₂)₃]I (Zimmermann H et al. Inorg. Chem. 1991, 30, 4336-4341). The related dimethyldithiocarbamate derivative, [Mo₃S₇(S₂CNMe₂)₃]I , was also prepared by the method of Hegetschweiler and coworkers (Zimmermann H et al. Inorg. Chem. 1991, 30, 4336-4341) but from [Ph₄P]₂[Mo₃S₇Br₆] rather than [Et₄N]₂[Mo₃S₇Br₆]. The [Bu₄N]⁺ salt of [Mo₃S₁₃]²⁻ was prepared from [NH₄]₂[Mo₃S₁₃] by base neutralization with [Bu₄N][OH], as described by McDonald and coworkers (McDonald J W et al. Inorg. Chim. Acta 1983, 72, 205-210). To achieve MoS₂ coating on Cu₂O films, first the precursor was dissolved in an appropriate solvent and spin-coated onto Cu₂O films. The desired MoS₂ coating thickness was optimized by adjusting the precursor concentration as well as number of spin-coated layers.

The thermal behavior of as-synthesized [Mo₃S₇(S₂CNEt₂)₃]I powder (a precursor for coating MoS₂ film) was examined using a simultaneous thermogravimetric analyzer on a SETARAIVI SETSYS evolution, which performed thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) simultaneously. The thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry measurements were performed by heating the powder in an Al₂O₃ crucible under flowing argon at a heating rate of 2° C. min⁻¹ from room temperature to 600° C. The structural analysis of as-grown Cu₂O and N₂-annealed MoS₂-coated Cu₂O samples was performed using a Bruker D8 Discover X-ray diffractometer equipped with Co-Kα radiation source operated at 40 kV and 30 mA. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns were recorded in the 2θ range of 20-100°. The phase identification was done using Bruker GADDS software with the help of a standard diffraction database (ICDD). The surface morphology and chemical composition of films were examined using a JEOL 700 scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an X-ray energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images of Cu₂O and MoS₂-coated Cu₂O were acquired from a FEI TECNAI F20 transmission electron microscope. A TESCAN LYRA focus ion beam-field emission scanning electron microscope (FIB-FESEM) was used to image the surface topography of MoS₂ on FTO and to deposit platinum through a gas injection system for surface extraction/preparation of a transmission electron microscopy foil. The extracted wedge was thinned to a thickness of less than ˜100 nm. The rotating ring disc electrode (RRDE), polarization and photocurrent measurements were performed using an electrochemical station CHI760C. The rotating ring disc electrode voltammograms were recorded on a rotating ring disc electrode configuration (ALS Co., Ltd, Japan) with a glassy carbon (GC) disc and Pt ring electrode. The geometric area of Pt ring was 0.75 cm² (inner diameter (ID)=0.5 cm and outer diameter (OD)=0.7 cm). The glassy carbon disc with a geometric area of 0.50 cm² was used as the substrate for deposition of MoS₂ catalyst. Prior to catalyst deposition, the rotating ring disc electrode was initially polished with a 0.3 μm alumina (Buehler) slurry on a Nylon pad and subsequently with 0.05 μm alumina slurry on a micro-cloth (CHI Instruments) and then cleaned with deionized water ultrasonically. All electrochemical as well as photoelectrochemical measurements were carried out at room temperatures in a three-electrode system consisting of photocathode as the working electrode, a Pt coil as the counter electrode and saturated calomel electrode (SCE, sat. KCl) as reference electrode. Unless otherwise specified, all potentials in this work are measured against the saturated calomel electrode or Ag/AgCl (sat. KCl) reference electrode and are reported versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). The cyclic voltammetry polarization curves were recorded for proton reduction studies using MoS₂-coated glassy carbon or ITO electrodes in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ electrolyte at the scan rate of 50 mV s⁻¹. The polarization curves were all corrected for the iR contribution within the cell. The photoelectrochemical measurements of as-grown and MoS₂-coated Cu₂O photocathodes were performed in 0.5 M Na₂SO₄ electrolyte. Prior to the photocurrent-potential (J-V) and incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) measurements, the electrolyte was bubbled with high-purity N₂ for 30 min to get rid of dissolved oxygen and thus eliminate the erroneous signals arising from oxygen reduction. A standard simulated 1 sun (intensity of 100 mW cm⁻²) irradiation was provided with the help of a solar simulator using a 300 W xenon arc lamp (Oriel A M 1.5 filtered, Newport) light source. The J-V curves of photocathodes were recorded using linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) at a scan rate of 100 mV s⁻¹ under chopped light (light on/off cycle: 0.4 s) with front-side illumination. Incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency or action spectra were measured using a 300 W xenon lamp light source and a monochromator in the wavelength range of 400-700 nm. The photocathode was fixed inside a three-arm photoelectrochemical cell and illuminated from the substrate side (back-side) as well as the film side (front-side). The photocurrent responses at each wavelength were collected by measuring chronoamperometric i-t curve in a three-electrode configuration at −0.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl (˜0.2 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode) in 0.5 M Na₂SO₄ (pH=6.7). The power density of the monochromatic light was measured using a calibrated silicon photodiode (THORLAB S, S110C) to determine the incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency values at each wavelength. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and Mott-Schottky (MS) studies were performed using an electrochemical workstation (CHI 760c, CH Instruments) equipped with an electrochemical interface and impedance analyzer facility. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy curves were recorded from 100 kHz to 0.1 Hz at the water reduction potential at −0.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl (0.0 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode) under 1 sun illumination. A ZView program (Scribner Associates Inc.) was used to fit the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data with the help of a suitable equivalent circuit model. The Mott-Schottky measurements were performed in the dark by sweeping a DC potential from −0.5 to 0.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl at an AC frequency of 1 kHz. The amplitude of AC signal was 10 mV for both electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Mott-Schottky measurements.

To quickly gain insight into the hydrogen evolution reaction electrocatalytic activity of MoS₂, rotating ring-disc electrode (RRDE) voltammograms were carried out based on a rotating ring disc electrode configuration with a glassy carbon (GC) disc and Pt ring electrode. A MoS₂ electrocatalyst was prepared on glassy carbon by drop-casting and air-drying a microliter drop of 5 mM MoS₂ precursor solution from THF. FIG. 2 shows the polarization curves for hydrogen evolution reaction on glassy carbon and MoS₂-modified glassy carbon recorded at 5000 rpm in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ electrolyte. To ensure that the oxidation current originated from hydrogen oxidation, the ring potential was held constant at 0.4 V vs. saturated calomel electrode (0.65 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode). As seen from FIG. 2, the rotating ring disc electrode response of MoS₂-modified glassy carbon electrode is remarkably higher than that of glassy carbon electrode. Inset of FIG. 2 shows the plot of overpotential (η) vs. reversible hydrogen electrode against logarithm of current density. Tafel slopes are derived from the polarization curves to gain insight into the hydrogen evolution reaction process. The corresponding Tafel slope of MoS₂/glassy carbon electrode, 79 mV dec⁻¹, is much lower than that of bare glassy carbon electrode (175 mV dec⁻¹), indicating that the introduction of spin-coated MoS₂ can deliver much more favorable reaction kinetics and provide a remarkably increased hydrogen evolution reaction rate (drive a large catalytic current density at relatively low overpotential).

To further assess the electrocatalytic proton reduction activity, a 5 mM solution of MoS₂ in THF was spin-coated onto conducting ITO substrates. Electrocatalytic activity for proton reduction by MoS₂ catalyst before and after annealing at 450° C. in N₂ atmosphere was investigated by cyclic voltammetry for hydrogen evolution reaction in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ electrolyte. As shown in FIG. 3, N₂-annealed MoS₂ exhibits relatively higher electrocatalytic performance as an efficient hydrogen evolution reaction catalyst with a low onset potential, high catalytic current density and small Tafel slope (68 mV dec⁻¹) compared to as-grown MoS_(x) on ITO electrode (132 mC dec⁻¹) . This enhancement can be ascribed to the formation of crystalline MoS₂ with catalytically active sites.

The simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry analysis of [Mo₃S₇ (S₂CNEt₂)₃]I in Ar environment was performed to observe the thermolysis of [Mo₃S₇ (S₂CNEt₂)₃]I and the subsequent crystallization behavior of MoS₂. FIG. 4 shows the thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry profiles of [Mo₃S₇ (S₂CNEt₂)₃]I under flowing Ar gas. The profiles suggest a series of reactions with continuous weight losses upon heating from room temperature to 600° C. Five decomposition steps can be identified from thermogravimetric analysis curve with mass loss ratios of 8.2%, 18.3%, 20.5%, 23.3%, and 45.8%, respectively. The first decomposition at around 80° C. arises from the dehydration of the starting precursor material, which caused 8.2% mass loss. The second in the range 80-150° C., causing an accumulated mass loss of 26.5% (8.2%+18.3%), suggests the formation of a (NH₄)₂MoS₄. For the third decomposition, a mixture of MoS₃/MoS₂ (in a ratio of 1:1) is probably formed in the temperature range of 150-245° C. leading to a total weight loss of 20.5%, which implies a transition from (NH₄)₂MoS₄ to MoS₂. In the temperature range of 245-310° C., the MoS₂ is formed at a mass loss of 23.3%. In the temperature 310-462° C., the crystalline transformation of MoS₂ occurs. However, with a mass loss of 45.8%, MoS₂ is converted into MoO₂ at higher temperatures, possibly due to residual oxygen present in the crucible. The presence of two distinct exothermic peaks at 258° C. and 325° C. also confirms the phase transformations from amorphous mixed (MoS₃+MoS₂) to crystalline MoS₂ material. Hence, the annealing temperature window of 350-450° C. is best suited to fabricate the crystalline MoS₂ phase.

FIG. 5 shows proton reduction hydrogen evolution reaction curves of MoS₂/FTO electrodes fabricated at 450° C. by spin-coating different concentrations of [Mo₃S₇ (S₂CNEt₂)₃]I precursor in THF. The precursor concentration was varied from 0.25 to 5.0 mM. The hydrogen evolution reaction curves suggest that a precursor concentration of 2.5 mM give optimum proton reduction performance. Additionally, to determine the appropriate temperature to fabricate active MoS₂ coating, the N₂-annealing temperature was varied from 350° C. to 500° C. at intervals of 50° C. by keeping a fixed precursor concentration of 2.5 mM (See FIG. 6). The annealing study suggests that a MoS₂/FTO electrodes fabricated at 450° C. gives optimum hydrogen evolution reaction performance.

The [Mo₃S₇ (S₂CNMe₂)₃]I and other derivatives of MoS₂ such as [Mo₃S₇ (S₂CNEt₂)₃]I, Mo₃S₄(S₂CNEt₂)₄, (NH₄)₂[Mo₃Si₃], and (Bu₄N)₂[Mo₃Si₃] were also investigated to study the proton reduction. These precursors were dissolved in different solvents such as THF, DMF, or CH₂Cl₂, spin-coated onto conducting FTO glass substrates, and N₂-annealed at 450° C. for 1 h. Owing to their limited solubility, precursor concentrations of 1.0 mM were employed for all derivatives such that, for purposes of comparison, all MoS₂ films were prepared under a common set of conditions. The proton reduction hydrogen evolution reaction curves for all the derivatives are shown in FIG. 7. Among them, [Mo₃S₇ (S₂CNMe₂)₃]I prepared from THF exhibited the most promising hydrogen evolution reaction activity. Thus, [Mo₃S₇ (S₂CNMe₂)₃]I was chosen for further studies with Cu₂O photocathodes.

FIG. 8 shows the X-ray diffraction patterns of as-grown Cu₂O and N₂-annealed MoS₂-coated Cu₂O films. The as-grown Cu₂O film shows the formation of phase-pure cubic Cu₂O structure as evidenced from the close match of the observed diffraction peaks at 34.45°, 42.56°, 49.39°, 72.54°, 88° and 93.14° corresponding to the diffraction of (110), (111), (200), (220), (311) and (222) planes of Cu₂O (ICDD PDF #05-0667). No discernible peaks of CuO or Cu are seen. The peaks marked by asterisks are due to contribution from the underlying FTO substrate. The X-ray diffraction of N₂-annealed MoS₂-coated Cu₂O sample shows an identical pattern with no peaks of MoS₂. However, the diffraction peaks of Cu₂O are shifted slightly towards lower diffraction angle. The strong contributions from Cu₂O signals might have shadowed the contributions from a thin layer of MoS₂. Additionally, a larger shift in 2θ angle at higher angles suggests that there is reduction in the strain of the film. The two-dimensional MoS₂ is reportedly known to endure large strain (Yang L et al. Sci. Rep. 2014, 4, 5649; Rice C et al. Phys Rev B 2013, 87, 081307; Castellanos-Gomez A et al. Nano Lett. 2013, 13, 5361-5366). FIG. 9-FIG. 12 shows the representative scanning electron microscopy images of Cu₂O, MoS₂ and MoS₂-coated Cu₂O films prepared on FTO. As one can see, the Cu₂O film is comprised of continuously distributed polyhedral cuboidal-shaped grains ranging from 1 to 2 μm. The thin layer of MoS₂ on FTO shows tiny grains (<100 nm) with uniform coverage. The N₂-annealed Cu₂O films shows cuboidal shaped grains covered with a thin layer of MoS₂. The thickness of the as-grown Cu₂O film estimated from the cross-section scanning electron microscopy image is ˜2 μm. The presence of MoS₂ was confirmed from the X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopic analysis (FIG. 13-FIG. 14).

FIG. 15 shows the linear sweep voltammetry curves of as-grown Cu₂O under standard chopped light illumination measured in 0.5 M Na₂SO₄ for successive six segments. For the 1^(st) segment, the dark current is negligible with onset of photocurrent toward more positive potential. The onset of dark current is at −0.6 V vs. saturated calomel electrode, which reflects the corrosion reaction. Under light illumination, the photogenerated electron-hole pairs are generated in the valence band of the Cu₂O film. Upon separation, the electrons travel to the conduction band of Cu₂O and reduce protons at the solid-liquid interface to form H₂ gas. The OH⁻ ions are oxidized at the counter electrode to produce O₂ and water. Hence, the photocurrent generated depends on how effectively the photogenerated electron-holes are separated without any losses. The photocurrent density measured at −0.6 V vs. saturated calomel electrode (0 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode) is −2.4 mA cm⁻², which is in line with the reported literature (Paracchino A et al. Nat. Mater. 2011, 10, 456-461). However, the recurring reduction peaks appear at −0.15/−0.20 V vs. saturated calomel electrode (0.4 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode) during J-V measurements from 2^(nd) segment onwards, which is an indication of photo-corrosion because Cu₂O undergoes reductive decomposition to Cu upon repetitive photocurrent measurements. Such change in chemical state of Cu₂O film after photoelectrochemical measurement is witnessed visually by color change from reddish brown to black and by decrement in photoelectrochemical current density. This phenomenon has been previously confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and XPS techniques (Paracchino A et al. Nat. Mater. 2011, 10, 456-461). Thus, the Cu₂O layer needs corrosion-protection to avoid direct contact between Cu₂O and the electrolyte. To suppress the photo-corrosion reaction, the Cu₂O surface was passivated with MoS₂ layer to prevent contact with the electrolyte by using spin-coating and thermal annealing treatment.

FIG. 16 shows the photocurrent responses of as-grown Cu₂O and MoS₂-protected Cu₂O photocathodes with three of spin-coated layers of MoS₂. The photocurrent of Cu₂O increases significantly upon MoS₂ protection. The photocurrent densities of −3.0 mA cm⁻² at 0 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode and as high as −6.5 mA cm⁻² at −0.4 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode are obtained for 3-layered MoS₂-coated Cu₂O photocathode. The contribution to the photocurrent due to light absorption by the MoS₂-protective overlayer is negligible under standard 1 sun illumination as MoS₂ is not a photoactive material. Additionally, the dark current characteristics of the Cu₂O photocathodes are improved considerably. The reduction peak observed for as-grown Cu₂O disappears for MoS₂-coated Cu₂O photocathode, with no change in film color, indicating that the Cu₂O surface is completely passivated by the MoS₂ layer. The onset of dark current appears at −0.98 V vs. saturated calomel electrode (−0.4 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode), which is well below the water reduction potential (0 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode), thereby avoiding the photo-corrosion of Cu₂O. With increasing number of MoS₂ layers, the darkening of the film caused by photo-corrosion is reduced. With increasing MoS₂ thickness beyond 3 layers, however, the photocurrent decreases, which is likely because of blocking of the light by the MoS₂ film and consequent decrease of irradiation on the Cu₂O electrode.

The incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency is employed as a valuable diagnostic figure of merit for most photoelectrochemical devices. The incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency values were calculated using the relation, incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (%)=[(1240/λ)×(J_(light)−J_(dark))/P_(i)]×100, where λ is the wavelength of incident monochromatic light, J_(light) is the steady-state photocurrent density at given k, J_(dark) is the dark current density and P_(i) is the power density of incident monochromatic light. FIG. 17 shows the action spectra of Cu₂O and 3-layered MoS₂/Cu₂O photocathodes at −0.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl (˜0.2 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode) under front- and backside illumination. FIG. 17 suggests that higher incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency values are observed at lower wavelengths. However, the Cu₂O sample shows a noticeable shoulder around 475 nm for front-side illumination, which slightly shifts toward more visible wavelengths (˜530 nm) upon MoS₂ coating on Cu₂O. Additionally, the incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency peak is prominent for backside illumination for the MoS₂/Cu₂O sample. The incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency of any device is closely associated with the photo-absorption ability of the photoactive layer. Electrodeposited Cu₂O films show an absorption peak at around ˜500 nm, however, they are prone to defect formation like in ZnO, which results in deep-level defects such as oxygen vacancies or copper interstitials (Laidoudi S et al. Sem. Sci. Technol. 2013, 28, 115005; Paul G K et al. Appl Phys Lett 2006, 88, 141901). These defects enable recombination of charge carriers, which causes lower incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency values. However, MoS₂ serves as a defect-passivating layer on Cu₂O, which to some extent lowers the charge carrier recombination in the visible region (where Cu₂O absorbs maximum visible light). This is the reason why MoS₂/Cu₂O photocathode shows relatively high incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency values under both front- and backside illumination. To further elucidate on the contributing factors toward the photocurrent enhancement, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Mott-Schottky measurements are performed. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis sheds light on the charge-transfer processes occurring at the electrolyte interface, while Mott-Schottky analysis is commonly employed to determine the type and concentration of majority charge carriers as well as the built-in voltage of the system. FIG. 18 shows the Nyquist plots of Cu₂O and 3-layered MoS₂/Cu₂O electrodes obtained at −0.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl (˜0.0 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode) in the dark and under front-side illumination. The Nyquist curves were fitted using an equivalent circuit comprising a series resistance (R_(s)) and two RC (resistance and capacitance) circuits in parallel. R_(s) is a sum of all the serial resistances consisting of the electrolyte, contact, electrode and cables. It is noteworthy that Cu₂O/FTO electrode shows higher R_(s) value (˜420 Ω) than that of MoS₂/Cu₂O/FTO electrode (<200 Ω). Additionally, the charge transfer resistance (R_(ct)), typically the diameter of the semicircle, is inversely related to the photocurrent of the photoelectrochemical system. The corresponding decrease in R_(ct) value with the addition of MoS₂ as a protecting layer (interfacial layer between Cu₂O and electrolyte) on Cu₂O/FTO both in the dark as well under illumination implies that charge carrier resistance at the photocathode-electrolyte interface is significantly improved. Under illumination, the R_(ct) value decreases considerably from 389 to 178 Ω after coating MoS₂ layer on Cu₂O. The MoS₂ coating not only protects the surface of Cu₂O electrode from reductive decomposition but also facilitates the charge transfer properties of Cu₂O and hence actively contributes to photocurrent enhancement resulting from photoelectrochemical water reduction. In other words, MoS₂ passivates the defect states, such as Cu vacancies in Cu₂O, additionally helping avoid the recombination of charge carriers. Thus, it can be established that MoS₂ at interface promotes the effective shuttling of the charge carriers at the photocathode-electrolyte interface, which may be due to the formation of the nanojunctions (Mahmood A et al. J. Mater. Sci. 2017, 28, 12937-12943). The interfacial space-charge capacitance (C_(sc)), which varies as function of applied potential (V), is another important parameter to describe a photoelectrode/electrolyte interface that can be used to estimate the flat band potential and the majority carrier density of a semiconductor from the slope of Mott-Schottky plot using Equation (1) (Yang Y et al. Sci. Rep. 2016, 6, 35158):

$\begin{matrix} {N_{A} = {\left( {{2/e_{o}}{ɛɛ}_{o}} \right){{{d\left( C_{sc}^{- 2} \right)}/{dV}}}}} & (1) \end{matrix}$

where N_(A) is the acceptor density (hole density in for p-type Cu₂O), e_(o) is the electron charge, ε_(o) is the permittivity of the vacuum, c is the dielectric constant of the semiconductor (7.60 for Cu₂O). FIG. 19 shows the Mott-Schottky plots of the Cu₂O and 3-layered MoS₂/Cu₂O electrodes obtained at 1 kHz ac frequency in the dark. The negative slope of the Mott-Schottky plots confirms the p-type conductivity of Cu₂O electrodes. The N_(A) value decreases from 4.5×10¹⁹ cm⁻³ to 2.4×10¹⁹ cm⁻³ after coating MoS₂ on Cu₂O. This can understandably be attributed to the fact that p-type conductivity of electrodeposited Cu₂O originates primarily from defects such as Cu vacancies. The defects or hole traps 0.40-0.55 eV above the top of the valence band maximum are verified in Cu₂O by deep level transient spectroscopy (Paul G K et al. Appl Phys Lett 2006, 88, 141901), which are attributed to structural anomalies such as CuO islands (Scanlon D O et al. J Chem Phys 2009, 131, 124703). Such defects are passivated after surface coating with MoS₂, resulting in reduced hole densities. Similar N_(A) values are reported in the literature for pristine and protected Cu₂O electrodes (Choi J et al. Electron. Mater. Lett. 2017, 13, 57-65; Zhang Z et al. J Mater. Chem. 2012, 22, 2456-2464). The extrapolated straight portion of the Mott-Schottky plot on the X-axis at C_(sc)=0 gives the flat band potential (E_(fb)) of the material. No noticeable change in E_(fb) is observed after MoS₂ coating. The E_(fb) value for both the Cu₂O and MoS₂/Cu₂O electrodes is 0.63±0.005 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, which is in line with the reported values (Yang Y et al. Sci. Rep. 2016, 6, 35158; Zhang Z et al. J. Mater. Chem. 2012, 22, 2456-2464). FIG. 20 shows the photographs of as-grown Cu₂O and N₂-annealed MoS₂-protected Cu₂O photocathodes with different number of spin-coated layers, both before and after the photoelectrochemical measurement. The photographs of Cu₂O electrodes clearly suggest that the color of the Cu₂O film area performing water reduction reaction is unchanged after photoelectrochemical measurement with increasing number of spin-coated layers of MoS₂. In other words, MoS₂ layer passivates the reductive photo-decomposition of Cu₂O to Cu, protects the chemical state of electrode, resulting in improved photoelectrochemical water reduction performance.

In some examples, the composite electrode can have a relatively better photo-stability in a near-neutral 0.5 M Na₂SO₄ electrolyte at a constant potential of −0.6 V vs. SCE. The composite MoS₂-modified Cu₂O electrode shows only 9% loss in its photo-stability whereas the pristine unmodified Cu₂O electrode shows 77% decrease after 10 min (FIG. 21). Long-term photostability tests of as-grown Cu₂O and MoS₂-modified Cu₂O photocathodes at an applied potential of 0 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode for 1 h in 0.1 M phosphate buffered (pH˜7) 0.5 M Na₂SO₄ electrolyte shows promising results of MoS₂ modification. The pristine Cu₂O photocathode exhibits a large dark current and a decline in photocurrent at the end of the 1-hour stability test, whereas the MoS₂-modified Cu₂O photocathode exhibited a negligibly small dark current with appreciable photocurrent (FIG. 22). XRD study confirmed the presence of metallic Cu in the pristine Cu₂O photocathode after the 1 h stability test, unlike the MoS₂-modified Cu₂O photocathode. Thus, loss of photoactivity can be due to the conversion of Cu₂O to Cu in the pristine Cu₂O electrode, which can be avoided due to MoS₂ modification on Cu₂O.

In summary, a strategy of combining an electrodeposition/spin-coating technique and post-annealing treatment was described that paves the way for an economically viable, and scalable process of fabricating stable and efficient copper-oxide-based photocathode materials for photoelectrochemical hydrogen production. The photocorrosion problem associated with electrodepositedp-type Cu₂O photocathode is addressed by spin-coating a thin ˜40 nm MoS₂ layer onto the surface using a MoS₂ precursor complex. The MoS₂ coating not only prevents the reductive photodecomposition of Cu₂O to Cu but also enhances the overall photoelectrochemical activity of the photocathode. The catalytic activity of MoS₂ using such complex precursors can be tuned by controlling the number of spin-coated layers and the annealing temperature in N₂ atmosphere. Additionally, the action spectra indicate that MoS₂ coating helps reduce the recombination of photogenerated charge carriers, thereby improving the light absorptivity of Cu₂O. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements of MoS₂-modified Cu₂O suggests improvements in interface properties that lead to the enhanced separation of electron-hole pairs as well as reduced carrier recombination because of decrease in interfacial defects or hole traps. The MoS₂-modified Cu₂O photocathodes exhibit photocurrent densities as high as 6.5 mA cm⁻² at −0.4 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode in 0.5 M Na₂SO₄ electrolyte under standard 1 sun illumination conditions, which make them potential candidates for a self-assisted hybrid water splitting system for hydrogen fuel generation. These spin-coatable molybdenum disulfide layers are attractive as a catalytically active thin-film passivation layer for several other unstable semiconductor water-splitting materials. Further, these p-type photocathode systems can be combined with an n-type photoanode system to establish a cost-effective and efficient unassisted photoelectrochemical water splitting system to produce hydrogen fuel.

Other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the invention will be evident to one skilled in the art. It will be understood that certain features and sub-combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible examples may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A composite electrode comprising: a MoS₂ layer disposed on a substrate; wherein the substrate comprises a semiconductor substrate and/or a conductive substrate; and wherein the MoS₂ layer comprises a thermally annealed product of a precursor layer comprising a precursor compound having a formula I: [Mo₃S_(y)(S₂CNR₂)_(z)]X_(4−z)   I wherein y is 4 or 7; z is 3 or 4, with the proviso that when y is 7, z is 3; R is a substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₅ alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₅ alkenyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₅ alkynyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted C₃-C₂₀ aryl group; and X is a halide anion, a tetrafluoroborate anion, or a hexafluorophosphate anion.
 2. The composite electrode of claim 1, wherein X is a halide anion.
 3. The composite electrode of claim 1, wherein X is an iodine anion.
 4. The composite electrode of claim 1, wherein the precursor compound has a formula A:

wherein the dotted lines between S, C, and N represent single or double bonds, as valence permits.
 5. The composite electrode of claim 1, wherein the precursor compound has a formula B:

wherein the dotted lines between S, C, and N represent single or double bonds, as valence permits.
 6. The composite electrode of claim 1, wherein the precursor compound has a formula C:

wherein the dotted lines between S and C, and C and N represent single or double bonds, as valence permits.
 7. The composite electrode of claim 1, wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl.
 8. The composite electrode of claim 1, wherein R is an unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl.
 9. The composite electrode of claim 1, wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted C₁₀-C₁₅ aryl.
 10. The composite electrode of claim 1, wherein R is a substituted C₁₀-C₁₅ aryl.
 11. The composite electrode of claim 1, wherein R is ethyl or 3,5-di-tert-butylbenzyl.
 12. The composite electrode of claim 1, wherein the substrate comprises: a semiconductor substrate comprising a semiconductor selected from the group consisting of TiO₂, Cu₂O, CuFeO₂, Si, InGaN, InGaP, InP, and combinations thereof; a conductive substrate comprising Cu, Ag, Au, Fe, Ti, Al, Pt, C, indium doped tin oxide (ITO), fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO), or a combination thereof; or a layer comprising a semiconductor disposed on a conductive substrate and wherein the semiconductor is selected from the group consisting of TiO₂, Cu₂O, CuFeO₂, Si, InGaN, InGaP, InP, and combinations thereof.
 13. The composite electrode of claim 1, wherein the MoS₂ layer has an average thickness of from 1 nm to 200 nm.
 14. A photoelectrochemical cell comprising: a working electrode comprising the composite electrode of claim 1 in electrochemical contact with a liquid sample; and one or more additional electrodes in electrochemical contact with the liquid sample.
 15. A device comprising the composite electrode of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a sensor, a charge storage device, an energy conversion device, or a combination thereof.
 16. An energy conversion device comprising the composite electrode of claim 1, wherein the energy conversion device comprises a solar cell, a fuel cell, a photovoltaic cell, or a combination thereof.
 17. A precursor electrode comprising: a precursor layer disposed on a substrate; wherein the substrate comprises a semiconductor substrate and/or a conductive substrate; and wherein the precursor layer comprises a precursor compound having a formula I: [Mo₃S_(y)(S₂CNR₂)_(z)]X_(4−z)   I wherein y is 4 or 7; z is 3 or 4, with the proviso that when y is 7, z is 3; R is a substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₅ alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₅ alkenyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₅ alkynyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted C₃-C₂₀ aryl group; and X is a halide anion, a tetrafluoroborate anion, or a hexafluorophosphate anion.
 18. The precursor electrode of claim 17, wherein the precursor compound has a formula A:

wherein the dotted lines between S, C, and N represent single or double bonds, as valence permits.
 19. The precursor electrode of claim 17, wherein the precursor compound has a formula B:

wherein the dotted lines between S, C, and N represent single or double bonds, as valence permits.
 20. The precursor electrode of claim 17, wherein the precursor compound has a formula C:

wherein the dotted lines between S and C, and C and N represent single or double bonds, as valence permits. 